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FBI Director Kash Patel dismissed a trainee for displaying a gay pride flag, citing poor judgment and political signage, sparking concern and legal challenges within the FBI.
FBI Director Kash Patel also invoked Article II of the Constitution, asserting presidential authority to remove federal personnel.
FBI Director Kash Patel on Wednesday sacked a trainee agent for displaying a gay pride flag at his desk during his previous assignment in California last year.
The trainee, formerly a support specialist in the FBI’s Los Angeles office, received a dismissal letter dated October 1 from Patel while attending the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. A copy of the letter claimed the individual had showcased an inappropriate “political” message during his prior posting under the Biden administration, according to news outlet MSNBC.
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“You are being summarily dismissed from your position as a New Agent Trainee at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and removed from the federal service,” the letter stated, the outlet reported.
Though the pride flag was not directly mentioned, the letter cited the exercise of “poor judgment” and an example of “political signage.”
Patel also invoked Article II of the Constitution, asserting presidential authority to remove federal personnel — a rationale also used in several other recent firings at the Justice Department and FBI, which are now the subject of legal challenges.
The firing took place on the first day of a nationwide government shutdown, which added broader uncertainty across the federal workforce. Notably, the trainee had received the Attorney General’s Award in 2022 in recognition of his work, according to a Justice Department news release.
News of the dismissal reportedly caused concern within the FBI’s Washington field office, where some employees began reviewing their own desks and online profiles for material that could be seen as politically sensitive.
Meanwhile, DOJ Pride — an LGBTQ employee group — shut down in January shortly after Trump signed an executive order targeting diversity efforts. In an email to members, the board said the group was halting operations “in the interest and for the protection of all members.”
About the Author
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More
New York, United States of America (USA)
October 03, 2025, 09:35 IST
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